What should security guards do if they suspect a crime is occurring?

When security guards suspect that a crime is occurring, calling for backup and reporting the situation to authorities is the appropriate action to take. This approach ensures that trained law enforcement professionals can take over the situation, which is crucial for both the safety of the guards and the potential victims.

By alerting the authorities, guards can provide critical information about the situation, including a description of the individuals involved, the nature of the crime, and any other relevant details. This also allows them to maintain a safe distance from the incident while ensuring that the situation is addressed effectively. Security staff are generally not authorized to intervene physically unless they are trained to do so in a way that minimizes risk to themselves and others.

In addition, waiting and observing without interference does not contribute to resolving the situation and may even leave individuals in danger. Discussing the situation with coworkers first can create unnecessary delays and complicate the communication process with law enforcement. Confronting the individuals involved can escalate the situation and put everyone at risk, making it vital for guards to act within their training and protocols by contacting professionals in law enforcement.